The Sydney Harbour Bridge is both an engineering achievement and a powerful national symbol. This course explores the bridge’s conception, construction and social impact, examining the vision, labour and controversy behind its creation. We consider how the bridge transformed Sydney’s geography and daily life, and why it continues to hold such a strong place in Australia’s cultural imagination. Ideal for anyone interested in Sydney history, infrastructure and iconic places.

DELIVERY MODE

Online

SUGGESTED READING

• Peter Lalor, The Bridge: The epic story of an Australian icon - the Sydney Harbour Bridge (2005)
• Peter Spearritt, The Sydney Harbour Bridge (1982)

COURSE OUTLINE

• Early Ideas of a bridge
• The Greycliffe ferry Disaster
• Dawes Point
• Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Harbour Artist: Grace Cossington Smith
• Pylon Lookout
• Milsons Point
• Luna Park

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Have a greater understanding of the history and status of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge.
2. Be able to explore the Bridge and its northern and southern approaches.